In a global world the ability to communicate in a foreign language becomes ever more important. In order to prove this ability many exams are available these days which are officially accepted by universities and companies. For most of these exams a special preparation language course can be useful to achieve good results and improve selective language skills.
Most of these exam levels correspond to the levels of the European Reference Framework .A great number of our partner schools offer such exam preparation courses, helping you to achieve outstanding results.
Please be aware that:

• Most courses require an advanced proficiency level
• Many courses start on fixed starting dates which are set in accordance to exam dates of the local test centre
• The exams are often offered during the last week, which will then not allow for full tuition or they are offered in the adjacent week, requiring additional accommodation days
• Exam fees will always be paid directly at the place of examination
• The enlisting to the exam will be a separate process, which you will have to take care of before or upon your arrival in order to stay within deadlines

• The Cambridge Exam preparation course is a good opportunity for everybody who has the time to participate in long term courses with a few selected starting dates and is looking for a lifelong lasting certificate proving general knowledge of English. The Cambridge exam is widely accepted for business purposes, but there is also an equivalent business version, the BEC which may be required by certain companies.
• The IELTS Exam suits all people who want a general certificate of their English capabilities for academic purposes. Some jobs may also require or accept IELTS as an official document. It is also of interest if you do not have enough time to participate in a Cambridge exam but still want to have the credibility of the famous Cambridge University. Professional versions of IELTS are ILEC for legal matters and ICFE for financial matters.
• The TOEFL Exam is especially interesting for people who want to study in the USA and Canada.
• The TOEIC Exam is especially interesting for people who want to get the most popular exam for non-native English speakers in the business world.

The Cambrige exams, which are sometimes also referred to as ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) examination, allows the evaluation of your English capability in real communication situations. They have been developed by the University of Cambridge, which is also responsible for the design of the periodical tests.

The tests are carried out around the world on the same day by selected test centers, which sometimes are represented by our partner schools as well, 2 or 3 times per year. All tests survey the abilities of reading, writing, listening and speaking English. Due to the set exam dates and necessary preparation times, the preparation courses last 9-12 weeks and have set starting dates.

The Cambridge Exam is recognized worldwide and can be used for various purposes, such as university admissions and as proof of your abilities for your future employer. An advantage of the Cambridge exam is the livelong validity. The Cambridge exams are sequential but you can also enter on a higher level. Depending on your existing level, you will be able to complete various stages of the Cambridge Exam at one of our selected schools.

1. KET (Key English Test): This is the first and most simple test which refers to level A2 in the European Reference Framework . It is only offered at very few of our partner schools.
   Exam structure: reading and writing - 70 minutes, listening comprehension - 30 minutes, speaking: 8 – 10 minutes. More on the Key English Test
2. PET (Preliminary English Test): This test is designed to test your abilities at a medium proficiency (Level B1 – European Reference Framework). The successful completion of this level is necessary to become citizen of the United Kingdom. This test is seldomly offered at our partner schools.
   Exam structure: reading and writing - 90 minutes, listening comprehension - 35 minutes, speaking: 10 - 12 minutes. More on the Preliminary English Test
3. FCE (First Certificate in English): This exam shows that you can use everyday written and spoken English at an upper-intermediate (Level B2 – European Reference Framework). It is ideal if you want to build a foundation for the following tests and if you want to use English for work or study purposes. Completing this level is often mandatory to attend universities if you are a foreigner.
   Exam structure: reading comprehension - 60 minutes, listening comprehension - 40 minutes, speaking approx. 14 minutes, writing – approx. 80 minutes, use of English – approx. 45 minutes. More on the First Certificate in English
4. CAE (Certificate in Advanced English): This exam proves that you are an advanced user of the English language (Level C1 – European Reference Framework). You will need to show that you can use English at ease in a social and business context or in an educational background. It is widely recognized for work or study purposes.
   Exam structure: reading comprehension - 75 minutes, listening comprehension - 40 minutes, speaking approx. 15 minutes, writing – approx. 90 minutes, use of English – approx. 60 minutes. More on the Certificate in Advanced English
5. CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English): This is the most advanced exam of the general English Cambridge examinations (Level C2 – European Reference Framework). It proves that you can use English to advise on, or talk about complex or sensitive issues and understand the details of documents, correspondence and reports.
   Exam structure: reading comprehension - 90 minutes, listening comprehension - 45 minutes, speaking approx. 19 minutes, writing – approx. 120 minutes, use of English – approx. 90 minutes. More on the Certificate of Proficiency in English

Next to the standard Cambridge language exams, there are also Cambridge ESOL examinations available for business purposes (BEC). They are especially designed for students who are preparing for a career in business and are recognized by more than a 1000 educational organizations, employers, ministries, government bodies and professional organizations throughout the world as a suitable qualification for business use.

Unlike the standard Cambridge exam, the tests are held monthly at various test centers around the world and are available as computer and paper based tests. Our partner schools may run special preparation courses upon demand or through additional one-to-one lessons

In order to participate in the BEC program you should already have a good command of English. There are three exams, representing the following levels of the European Reference Framework.

1. BEC Preliminary (B1 ): This is the first test and will proof that you have a good knowledge of business English.
   Exam structure: reading and writing – 90 minutes, listening – approx. 40 minutes, speaking in a 2:2 group – 12 minutes
2. BEC Vantage (B2 ): Advancing from the B1 level, you will need to show very good knowledge of business English.
   Exam structure: reading – 60 minutes, writing - 45 minutes, listening – approx. 40 minutes, speaking in a 2:2 group – 14 minutes
3. BEC Higher (C1): The final level of the BEC exams will require advanced knowledge of business English.
   Exam structure: reading – 60 minutes, writing – 70 minutes, listening – approx. 40 minutes, speaking in a 2:2 group – 16 minutes

The IELTS exam is also conducted by the Cambridge University. This test is internationally accepted by many universities, companies and governments bodies. Many British universities require this test instead of a Cambridge (ESOL) certificate. It also serves as a reference for immigration departments in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Unlike the ESOL test there are no separate stages of completion but one single test with grades from 0 (no achievement) to 9 (most proficient). The score however is only valid for 2 years. Many Universities are listing a necessary IELTS score for admittance .

There are two versions of the IELTS exam which distinguish between academic and general testing. The academic version is necessary to enroll at universities abroad. The general version is necessary for non-university education as well as living and working abroad.

You can sit the test at the local test centre where you participate in the preparation course or in your country. Unlike the Cambridge test, there are several dates per year, depending on the city you can find even monthly test dates. Thus you can take the preparation courses at most of our participating partner schools continuously throughout the year. We recommend a preparation of at least 4 weeks.

Exam Structure: Listening comprehension – 30 minutes (both interests), Reading – 60 minutes (separate academic and general test), Writing – 60 minutes (separate academic and general test), Speaking – 11-14 minutes (both interests).

Evaluation and Certificate: The grades range from 0 to 9 (best). You cannot fail the test but get a definite result stating your capabilities. You will receive the certificate via mail. It will include a picture of you and the final grade as well as the grades for the separate exam elements. To rerun the test, you will need to wait for a minimum of 3 month.

More information on the IELTS Certificate .

ILEC and ICFE – International Accounting and Legal exams
Further specialized versions, similar to the IELTS test in setup and grading are the ICFE (International Certificate in Financial English) for accountants and ILEC (International Legal English Certificate) for lawyers working with international matters. Unlike the IELTS exam, these tests are only available twice per year in May and November. At present we do not represent any school with specialized preparation courses but some of our partner schools do offer business classes specialized on certain topics, which can be used for preparation as well. The passing levels are between B1 and C1 (with Merit) in accordance with the European Reference Framework

The TOEFL test is a North American based English test which is used by many universities to determine the language capability of foreigners willing to study at their facilities. Depending on the score it certifies an advanced language capability.

You can sit the test at the local test centre where you participate in the preparation course or in your country. Several dates per year are available. Thus, you can take the preparation courses at most of our participating partner schools continuously throughout the year. We recommend a preparation of at least 4 to 8 weeks.

The test takes about 4 hours and is conducted in two different ways, Paper based (PBT) and Internet (iBT). In order to sit the test you will have to register up to 3 months in advance on the official TOEFL Website.

Exam Structure: Listening comprehension – 40-60 minutes (39-49 questions), Grammar – 15-20 minutes (20 to 25 questions), Writing – 30 minutes (writing a text), Reading – 70-90 minutes (44 – 55 questions).

Evaluation and Certificate: You can score between 0 and 120 points in the iTB and 311 to 677 in the PBT. The result will be shown immediately if you are taking the iBT. The certificate will be sent to you from the US approximately 2 weeks after the test date. If you take a PBT the result and certificate will be send to you 5 weeks after you have taken the test. The results are valid for 2 years.

The TOEIC is a multiple choice test which evaluates your English capabilities in a professional and international exchange context if you are not a native English speaker.

It is a widely accepted measurement in multinational companies for personnel and recruitment evaluation purposes and also used by educational institutions and governments. The test is taken annually by more than 5 million people and thus the most popular English language test for foreigners. Plenty of test centers worldwide offer monthly or bimonthly examination dates, allowing frequent preparation courses. We recommend a preparation time of 4 weeks and more.

The TOEIC test is split into two separate modules which you have to book individually.
Module one is the paper-based listening and reading test and takes about 2 hours in which you can answer up to 200 questions. Each element will be evaluated separately at a scale from 5-495 points and then added together for the final result.
Module two is an internet-based speaking and writing exam measuring your abilities in business English. It contains daily und cross-professional key situations. This test has been added in recent years and completes the evaluation of all four language competences. The test takes about 90 minutes in which each element is tested individually.

Evaluation and Certificate: The certificate will be send to you approximately 3 weeks after you have taken the test. The results are valid for 2 years.

More on the TOEIC test

The GED tests are a group of five subject tests which (when passed) certify that the taker has American or Canadian high school-level academic skills. The test is always taken in person and never available online. Jurisdictions award a "Certificate of General Educational Development" or similarly titled credential to persons who meet the passing score requirements. Only individuals who have not earned a high school diploma may take the GED tests. At the moment none of our partner schools offer any special preparation courses for this exam. Should you require special preparation classes, please to not hesitate to contact us.

Next to the preperations courses, which you book through us,you will have to sign in by yourself to your desired exam, which may be held subsequently to your course or at another location of your choice.

The prices for the various English exams range from USD 150 (TOEFL) to EUR 300 (Cambridge CPE). These prices are subject to change and only supossed to allow an estimation of the cost. Please see the individuall fees on the according exam pages.

The D.E.L.F ( Diplôme d’ Etudes en Langue Française) and D.A.L.F (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) certificates are the only diplomas stating your proficiency in French for foreigners, which are acknowledged by the French Ministry of Education (Ministère de l'Education Nationale) and are valid worldwide.

The certificates are split into 6 separate levels which are aligned with the European Reference Framework. For each level you will be tested at an official test centre in the four communication skills of speaking, writing, listening and talking. There are more than 900 test centers in over 154 countries around the world. We recommend a preparation time of 4 weeks and more for each level. The tests are carried out about 4-5 times per year in independent test centers (not at our partner schools). Our partner school in Montpellier works with fixed starting dates for the various exams.

The exam consists of four elements and will be longer the higher the level.

• Listening comprehension – Short examples of 3-10 minutes will be repeated twice before you have to answer relevant questions
• Reading – Different kinds of documents are presented which will be the basis for later questions
• Writing – Filling out forms to writing a full article
• Speaking– Short dialogues to presenting the own article from the writing test

The total length can vary between 100 (A1) minutes to 5 hours (C2).

Evaluation and Certificate: Each test element has a maximum amount of credits you can earn. The total of all 4 elements is summed up to determine the final grade. The certificate will be sent to you from the test center and is valid for a lifetime.

Next to the preperations courses, which you book through us,you will have to sign in by yourself to your desired exam, which may be held subsequently to your course or at another location of your choice.

The prices for the various French exams range from EUR 100 - 300. These prices are subject to change and only supossed to allow an estimation of the cost. Please see the individuall fees on the according exam pages.

The D.E.L.E. – (Diploma de Espanol como Lengua Extranjera) exam is the only official Spanish certificate that was developed on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science. It was developed by the Instituto Cervantes and the University of Salamanca as a standardized test indicating the Spanish language proficiency, and is of international relevance for general, business and university purposes.

Exams can be taken in Spain and 90 other countries and are conducted simultaneously in all exam centers three times (sometimes only twice) a year. Thus, our partner schools offer selected starting dates in order to prepare in time for the exams. The courses last between 4 and 10 weeks.

In order to sit the exam in Spain, you must register 40 days before the exam takes place. In other countries, registration must take place 60 days before the exam is held. You can the check exam dates and registration periods and register with the Spanish Embassy Educational & Cultural Services, Spanish Consulate, or the Instituto Cervantes in your own country.

The three levels in detail:

1. Inicial: Proves that the owner has basic knowledge of the Spanish language, allowing basic conversations. It is equivalent to the level B1 of the European Reference Framework.
   Exam structure: Reading comprehension – 40 minutes, Writing – 50 minutes, Listening comprehension - 30 minutes, Grammar and Vocabulary – 40 minutes, Speaking – 10 minutes
2. Intermedio: Proves that the owner has good common knowledge of the Spanish language, which is used in daily situations. Equivalent to B2 of the European Reference Framework.
   Exam structure: Reading comprehension – 60 minutes, Writing – 60 minutes, Listening comprehension - 30 minutes, Grammar and Vocabulary – 60 minutes, Speaking – 10-15 minutes
3. Superior: Proves that the exam owner has well advanced knowledge of the Spanish language which allows conversations on a detailed level. Equivalent to level C2 of the European Reference Framework.
   Exam structure: Reading comprehension – 60 minutes, Writing – 60 minutes, Listening comprehension - 45 minutes, Grammar and Vocabulary – 60 minutes, Speaking – 10-15 minutes

Next to the preperations courses, which you book through us,you will have to sign in by yourself to your desired exam, which may be held subsequently to your course or at another location of your choice.

The prices for the DELE exams ranges from EUR 128 - EUR 169 (subject 2009). These prices are subject to change and only supossed to allow an estimation of the cost. Please see the individuall fees on the according exam pages.

DaF (Deutsch als Fremdsprache) is a series of exams and stands for “German as a foreign language” meanwhile it also stands for an own exam (TestDaF). Both were developed by the Goethe-Institut - Goethe Institute in English – (in India called Max Müller Bhavans), which is a non-profit German cultural institution operating worldwide to promote the German Language.

Unless otherwise stated, the exams are conducted at the independent local institutes monthly or bimonthly throughout the year. The results will be available two weeks after the exam date. An exception is the C2 Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP) which is only conducted twice a year and the KDS, GDS, TestDaF exams (see details below). You will need to register at least 8 weeks in advance for each exam. We recommend a preparation time of at least 4 weeks.

The exams are sequential but you can also enter on a higher level. Depending on your existing level, you will be able to complete various stages of the DaF at selected test centers around the world.

The DaF exams are closely related to the European Reference Framework, which is reflected in the names of the different stages. Further special tests exist as well. Should you need the exam for a work or university application, please inform yourself beforehand which exam level is required.

1. A1: Start Deutsch 1 (SD 1) proves that you can make yourself understood in simple German. This exam requires very basic language skills. It is also recognized as proof of language ability in the new Immigration Act of July 2007 in Germany (and for reunification of spouses in the visa process).
   Exam structure: Writing examination held in groups – 65 minutes (Listening and Reading test, write short responses on messages), Oral examination held in group of two – 15 minutes (introduce yourself, ask questions on everyday topics and answer queries). More information on Start Deutsch 1 Exam. A similar exam for young learners (min. 10 years) is known as Fit in Deutsch 1 .
2. A2: Start Deutsch 2 (SD 2) proves that you can make the main content of everyday situations. This exam requires elementary language skills.
   Exam structure: Writing examination held in groups – 70 minutes (Listening and Reading test, write short responses on messages), Oral examination held in group of two – 15 minutes (introduce yourself, reply to questions on everyday matters). More information on Start Deutsch 2 Exam. A similar exam for young learners (min. 10 years) is known as Fit in Deutsch 2.
3. B1: Zertifikat Deutsch (ZD) proves that you have a sound basic knowledge of everyday German and that you have the language skills required for dealing with all kinds of different situations encountered every day.
   Exam structure: Writing examination held in groups – 150 minutes (Listening and Reading test, write personal letter), Oral examination held individually or in group of two – 15 minutes (introduce yourself, pass on the information contained in a diagram, picture or text,…). More information on Zertifikat Deutsch. A similar exam for young learners (min. 12 years) is known as Zertifikat Deutsch für Jugendliche .
4. B2 (Business): Zertifikat Deutsch für den Beruf (ZDfB)- German for Business - requires a command of the German language. By passing the exam you will prove that you can communicate in everyday work situations and understand simple texts of everyday cooperate life.
   Exam structure : Writing examination held in groups – 160 minutes (Listening and Reading test, write letter with focus on business content), Oral examination held individually – 20 minutes (express yourself in everyday work situations and react on business facts)
5. B2 (General): Goethe Zertifikat B2 requires advanced language skills and will prove that you can follow main content of specific and abstract topics, understand a wide range of texts, express yourself clearly, take active part in discussion subjects.
   Exam structure: Writing examination held in groups – 190 minutes (Listening and Reading test, correct a letter), Oral examination held individually or in group of two – 15 or 10 minutes (Introduce yourself and position yourself to a topic)
6. C1: Goethe Zertifikat C1 requires very advanced language skills and will prove that you can easily understand long talks and texts, express yourself clearly in complex issues, verbally express yourself spontaneously and fluently.
   Exam structure : Writing examination held in groups – 190 minutes (Listening and Reading test, reproduce excerpts Oral examination held individually or in group of two – 15 or 10 minutes (comment on a text and discuss solution to a project)
7. A business version of this certificate level is known as Prüfung Wirtschaftsdeutsch International (PWD).
8. C2: (General) Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP) requires very highly advanced linguistic skills. It will prove that you easily understand everything you hear and read in German, summarize information, logically recounting the reasons and explanations, verbally express yourself spontaneously with great fluency and accuracy, analyze literary texts. It is accepted as a qualification by employers and further education institutions. It also enables students to apply to German universities.
   Exam structure: Writing examination held in groups – 300 minutes (Listening and Reading test, discuss real life topic or a book), Oral examination held individually - 20 minutes (prepare a text for 15 minutes and then read out loud with appropriate rhythm and intonation, further summarize and discuss the text)
9. C2: (University) The “Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom”(KDS) is equivalent to the ZOP but was developed in cooperation with the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. The examination components were drawn up by experts with teaching and examination experience and are edited at the head office in Munich. Further the written examination is marked centrally in Munich by examiners of the University and the Goethe Institut. The KDS enables foreign students to study at German universities. The test is conducted twice per year and the results are published shortly before the new exam date.
   Exam structure: Writing examination held in groups – 300 minutes (Listening and Reading test, questions on newspaper or literary text and adjacent rewording), Oral examination held individually - 20 minutes (prepare a text for 40 minutes and then read out loud with appropriate rhythm and intonation, further hold 5 minute talk on a self chosen topic)
10. C2++: As the KDS, the “Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom” (GDS) has been developed by the Goethe-Institut in cooperation with the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. It requires more advanced language skills than any other certificate and exceeds the C2 level of the European Reference Framework. The GDS enables foreign students to be admitted to German universities, qualifying themselves for courses in the social sciences and German. The test is conducted twice per year and the results are published shortly before the new exam date.
    Exam structure: Writing examination held in groups – 630 minutes (Listening and Reading test), Oral examination held individually - 25 minutes (prepare a text for 40 minutes and then read out loud with appropriate rhythm and intonation, further hold 10 minute talk on a self chosen topic and then hold 10 minute discussion with examiners)
11. Test für Deutsch als Fremdsprache (TestDaF) B2 - C1 is a language examination at an advanced level which was developed by the Society for Academic Study Preparation and Test Development. The results are expressed in three TestDaF levels (TDN), 3, 4 and 5, which describe what skills you are expected to possess with regard to reading, writing, listening and speaking. The certificate is valid as a language qualification for admission to any university in Germany. The test is conducted 4-6 times a year (depending on the institute) and results are published 6 weeks after exam completion.
    Exam structure: Reading comprehension – 60 minutes, Listening comprehension – 40 minutes, Written examination – 60 minutes, Oral expression – 35 minutes. More information on TestDaF.

Our partner school in Germany , with subsidiaries in Munich and Berlin can prepare your for all levels of the DaF certificates. Please contact our travel consultants for an individual offer .

Prices: The prices range from EUR 80 (Z1) to EUR 350 (GDS) - Based on Berlin and Munich Institute (2009).

Through a benchmarking system it allows businesses to audit their employees’ language ability and ensure they have the right skills and training in place. The system works through a series of simple forms filled in by managers and individual employees. The results can be plotted against each other to indicate the desired level of language skills for carrying out the work, the skills which exist within the organization, and where any gaps in language skills may lie. More information on the BULATS

The TRKI (also known as TORFL Test of Russian as a foreign language) exam is recognized by the Russian Federal Ministry of Education and proves your knowledge of Russian through separate tests. Each test consists of 5 components (written and oral). In our partner school in St. Petersburg and Moscow you will have a combination of group and special exam preparation courses.

The exam dates, fees and registration process differ from destination to destination. Please consult with our travel consultants to obtain further details.
There is a total of 6 levels. The most popular exams which are prepared for at our partner schools are:

1. Elementary Level ТБУ(TBU): This certificate shows that the applicant has acquired basic communicative skills in a number of daily situations. With no Russian skills to start with, it takes on average a 16 week group course and one TRKI exam module to pass this exam.
2. ТРКИ-1 (TRKI-1): This certificate proves that you have reached an Intermediate Level of communicative skills and are able to achieve basic communicative objectives in everyday communication on a variety of social, cultural and professional topics. It allows you to enroll in a Russian University. With no Russian skills to start with, it takes on average a 24 week group course and one, maybe two TRKI exam modules (individual lessons of 5h/week each) to pass this exam.
3. ТРКИ-2 (TRKI-2): This certificate confirms a relatively high level of communicative competency in all communicative contexts. The certificate is required to obtain a Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Russian higher educational institutions. It takes 400 lessons or 20 weeks in a group course to pass from TRKI-1 to TRKI-2.